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US cancels presidental delegation to Paralympics in Russia

By Staff, Associated Press

Posted:
03/04/2014 08:13:32 AM EST

Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, and the commander of the Western Military District Anatoly Sidorov, right, walk upon arrival to watch military exercise near St.Petersburg, Russia, Monday, March 3, 2014. Putin has sought and quickly got the Russian parliament's permission to use the Russian military in Ukraine.(AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Mikhail Klimentyev, (Presidential Press Service)

WASHINGTON — The White House says the United States has decided not to send a presidential delegation to the Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

The move is in retaliation for Russia's military advances in Ukraine.

White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden says President Barack Obama still supports the U.S. athletes participating and wishes them success.

The U.S. and its allies are weighing sanctions and other potential consequences to persuade Russia to reverse course in Ukraine. Britain has also decided not to send ministers to the Paralympic Games, which start Friday.

Vice President Joe Biden spoke Monday to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The White House says Biden urged Russia to pull back its forces and made clear that Russia races increasing political and economic isolation is the situation isn't resolved.